Montana / Madison County / Custer Gallatin National Forest

Yellow Mule Cabin

Closed — Open year-round for reservation. Buck Creek Ridge Road and Trail 10 are closed to all wheeled motorized vehicles December 1 to June 16; winter access requires snowmobile.

About

Yellow Mule Cabin, constructed in 1920, served as a ranger station and stands out as a unique structure built according to the builder's preferences rather than standard Forest Service design. Eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, this single-room cabin offers rustic backcountry accommodations year-round in the Madison Range. The 12x14 foot cabin sits between a wildflower meadow and mixed evergreens at approximately 8,650 feet elevation, with views of the jagged, glaciated Madison Mountain peaks. The cabin sleeps up to three people on cots and includes a wood stove for heat, basic cookware, utensils, propane lantern, and dining table with chairs. An outhouse with vault toilet is located just outside. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, and pack out all trash. Access to this remote cabin requires significant effort. Summer visitors (June 16 to December 1, weather permitting) can hike, motorcycle, or ride an OHV approximately 8 miles from the Buck Creek Ridge Trailhead. Winter visitors (December 2 to June 16) must snowmobile approximately 14-17.5 miles depending on the route chosen. The cabin is popular with snowmobilers for accessing Buck Creek Ridge Trail and McAtee Basin, while summer visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, and hunting in designated areas. Wildlife includes grizzly bear, gray wolf, mountain lion, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and Canada lynx.

Directions

From Bozeman, drive west to Four Corners, then south on US Highway 191 for 40 miles to Big Sky turnoff. Summer access (June 16 - December 1): Drive south on US 191 3.75 miles, turn right onto Buck Creek Ridge Road FS 2599, drive 7.7 miles to Buck Creek Ridge Trailhead (all highway vehicles must park here), then travel 9.5 miles on Buck Creek Ridge Trail 10. At junction with Trail 467, turn right and switchback down 1/3 mile to cabin. Winter access (December 2 - June 16): Park in lot across from Buck Creek Ridge Road entrance on east side of US 191. Snowmobile approximately 17.5 miles to cabin following groomed trail.

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